Why Do You Have Spotting During Pregnancy and How Will It Affect You?

Spotting during early pregnancy is quite common and is often a sign that some women use to take the initiative of performing a pregnancy test on themselves. This phenomena can indicate implantation of the egg into the womb. It can be accompanied by cramps which is completely normal.

Spotting indicate ovulation or on a negative note, of complications such as ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage which can both be endangering to the life of the pregnant woman. For this reason, it is essential to pay close attention to what signs and symptoms are gone through during the time a woman is with child, or might suspect herself to be expecting a child.

What Is Spotting Spotting During Early Pregnancy?

Spotting is defined as light bleeding out of the vagina. If this occurs before a period is due, it might indicate a woman is pregnant as the egg implants itself into the womb, or it might be a sign of ovulation directly before menstruation. There are some medical conditions, though, that this could be a symptom of. Improper levels of hormones or uterine fibroids in older women (in women over the age of 30 it is much more widespread) could also cause this. If a woman experiences this, she should take a pregnancy test to determine whether or not she is pregnant. If she is not, she should observe whether her period occurs or not, and then may decide to follow up with an appointment at the doctor’s to rule out the various medical conditions that she may or may not be at risk for.

Spotting During the First Trimester of Pregnancy

It is normally due to the egg implanting itself into the uterus as conception occurs. A little blood from the uterus which emerges as oxidized, light brown blood discharge happens often to women who are expecting. This is no cause for alarm normally, but sometimes it can be an indication of something much more serious. For example, a light brown discharge or bleeding might be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy. This type of pregnancy is when the egg embeds itself somewhere outside of the womb. This might be on one of the fallopian tubes. If accompanied by dizziness, then one should get medical attention immediately as ectopic pregnancy is very serious and can have dramatic consequences.

This type of discharge might also be a sign of miscarriage. Other signs include cramping, increased bleeding and a loss of other pregnancy symptoms. 20% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage, and light bleeding is often a precursor and a signal this will take place. In 50% of all cases spotting women have healthy, normal pregnancies, so it is normally not a cause for worry or stress. However, if uncertainties prevail, then it is always a good idea to get confirmation from a midwife or doctor. Miscarriage is a cause for a visit to a health practitioner.

Sex might also cause a light brown or pink discharge. The cervix is often more sensitive during pregnancy, and as such the friction of sex can cause a slight aggravation. This, as so many other conditions, is due to the increase of hormones in the body like progesterone, estrogen and their accompanying regulatory hormone. Much of the body is more sensitive and goes through changes that might appear alarming at first. It is not a serious condition, but some women are advised to avoid intercourse if this is a persistent problem.

Cramping During Early Pregnancy

It can be a result of egg implantation in the womb. This often takes place ten days after ovulation and can be accompanied by a light discharge. Also, the increase in the pregnancy hormone progesterone can cause this feeling. However, cramping can also be a sign of something more serious such as ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage. If a woman suspects this might be the case, again it is advised that she seek the advice of a medical practitioner.

Implantation Bleeding

It refers to the bleeding which occurs when the fertilized embryo embeds itself into the uterus. The fertilized egg is called the blastocyst, and it travels from its point of fertilization to the womb. The embedding of the egg is a normal aspect of pregnancy, and must take place for the pregnancy itself to occur. It may or may not be accompanied by noticeable implantation bleeding. It can become complicated by fallopian tubes which do not allow passage, and that is what is known as ectopic pregnancy.

There are many early signs of pregnancy that may be experienced. These include a missed period, nausea, vomiting, spotting, cramping, changes in sexual drive, soreness of breasts, sensitivity to smell, fatigue and changes in the skin.

A missed period is one of the first things women will notice which might prompt them to wonder if they are in fact with child. Nausea and vomiting is also a solid indication. The increase of hormones hCG and progesterone and estrogen trigger changes in not only the reproductive system, but the digestive system to be more conducive to the growing and development of the baby.

The bowels function more slowly to retain food longer for better nutrient absorption. The downside is this may aggravate the system to the point of nausea, and in some cases diarrhea. Changes in one’s appetite for sex might also be noticed, with the woman either wanting less or more this is also attributed to the changing levels of hormones in the body.

Sore breasts are also often a sign of an oncoming period, but may be more sore than usual. Some women say they can smell more acutely when they are pregnant. Some women notice their skin looks different, that pores become enlarged and an increase of oil (sebum) is produced. They might also get a slight rash. Cramping and spotting are also typical early signs experienced as the embryo adheres to the lining of the uterus. All of these above mentioned signs though, may be attributed to other conditions, so the best way to be sure is to take a test or go to the doctor or midwife.

Spotting and cramping are not uncommonly experienced in early pregnancy. They are usually a normal sign of the fertilized egg implanting itself into the womb of the mother. Slight bleeding results when this happens, and often is accompanied by cramping. However, this phenomena might also take place due ectopic pregnancy or due to a miscarriage, so it is best to be aware of what this might be by contacting a health care provider as soon as possible. These can also take place before a period sets in, so a pregnancy test might be a good idea first to get some confirmation.

There are many signs of pregnancy as well, including nausea, vomiting, fatigue, changes in the skin, rashes, constipation and many more of which these are but a few. The experience of expecting a child is often complicated, but does not need to be stressful. Relax and be aware of what is taking place and seek medical advice where doubt comes into play.